Preservative "may damage DNA"

It appears that soft drinks may cause serious cell damage, with some products showing an ability to switch off vital parts of DNA â?” something more usually associated with ageing and alcohol abuse. The cause of the concern is a substance called E211 â?” and also known as sodium benzoate – a preservative that has been used for many years. It has already been the subject of concern about cancer and now Peter Piper, professor of molecular biology and biotechnology at Sheffield University, has said Parkinson’s disease and other neuro-degenerative diseases, and the ageing process generally, are affected.

The Independent